Clermont Show Their Class With Wonderful Gesture Following Win Over Saracens

Stay classy.

Clermont inflicted a record 46-14 defeat on a hapless Saracens side in their rescheduled Champions Cup victory on Monday thanks to a hat-trick by winger Alivereti Raka.

Raka bagged all of his tries in less than 25 minutes, making it the fastest hat-trick in European rugby for 20 years. Saracens have now lost their last six games, and missed a uncharacteristic 37 tackles in the game.

The tie itself was filled with controversy before a ball was even kicked, with the game called off on Sunday morning due to adverse weather conditions. Officials were worried about fans getting to and from Allianz Park, and made the decision to have it played on Monday with a closed stadium.

Saracens however, decided on Monday morning that they would indeed be allowing fans to use their original tickets and attend the game. Given the late notice, most of the French fans had already returned home, with just a little over 50 Clermont supporters able to attend and witness the famous win.

In an act of goodwill, Clermont have revealed that they will reimburse all of those fans who attended.

We are really proud to have such supporters. Despite the vicissitudes that accompanied this meeting, they are still there, many, with a smile to support our team. It’s really heartwarming and we can only thank them for their passion,” Clermont President Eric de Cromieres said.

“The Lutèce Arvernes (Clermont Supporters Club) who had to sleep in a meeting room of their hotel before taking the shuttle in the middle of the night from Monday to Tuesday made a remarkable self-sacrifice for their team and the club have made a commitment to compensate financially the Fan Association on the basis of additional costs incurred. “